Inter Milan teenager Obi shines for Nigeria

New Nigeria coach Samson Siasia watched Inter Milan debutant Joel Obi shine in Wednesday's 2-1 friendly win over Sierra Leone.

Uncapped Obi, 19, was taking the place of injured Heartland of Owerri midfielder Ikechukwu Ibenegbu.

Siasia's Super Eagles opened the scoring on 15 minutes through a penalty converted by Taye Taiwo, before substitute Ekigho Ehiosun doubled the advantage in first half stoppage time.

Sierra Leone deservedly pulled a goal back a minute from full time through the dangerous Mohammed Bangoura, who troubled the Nigerian back line all night long in an exciting match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Nigeria had a goal disallowed in the second half after Osaze Odemingie's header off a cross by Ahmed Musa was ruled offside.

This was the first official match for Siasia, who will take some positives from this encounter, with Obi a revelation on his debut.

The Inter Milan player looked very much at home in his first match for Nigeria and provided an assist for the second goal when his cross from the left was finished off masterfully by Ehiosun.

"He's a delight to watch with his magical left foot," hailed former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba.

The blistering pace of VVV Venlo forward Ahmed Musa and the composure of leading Nigeria Premier league scorer Ehiosun inside the box would also encourage Siasia.

Both teams used this match to prepare for next month's 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria will host Ethiopia also at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, while Sierra Leone will be away to Niger at the end of March.